Discord: Difference between revisions
m Moved 'deleting an account without agreeing to updated ToS' into its own header (probably needs reformatting); minor formatting & word change |
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*Claims broad rights to user-generated content. | *Claims broad rights to user-generated content. | ||
*Deleted messages are stored for undefined periods. | *Deleted messages are stored for undefined periods. | ||
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed" | *Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed". | ||
*Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement". | *Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement". | ||
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers. | *Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers. | ||
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*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports | *Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports | ||
*Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked & when typing | *Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked & when typing | ||
In 2019, Discord started randomly requiring phone verifications. Account will be locked until a phone number is added, regardless of account age or recent activity. The account will be automatically locked if the phone number is removed.<ref>[https://archive.today/2022.10.28-141642/https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht guess I'm done with Discord – wowana.me]</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/2025.08.31-190346/https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord Why you shouldn't trust Discord - cadence's weblog (personal blog)]</ref> | |||
===Freedom=== | ===Freedom=== | ||
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===Transparency=== | ===Transparency=== | ||
Discord terms of service are lengthy and complex | Discord terms of service are lengthy and complex. In Oct 2025, just the base terms are 29 pages, 14th grade (Junior in college) reading level, with an estimated reading time of 42 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calculated using readabilitychecker.com based on current discord TOS. discord.com/terms |url=https://readabilitychecker.com/url |access-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref> The 2021 version of Discord's ToS would take an estimated 275+ hours to read.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EULA of despair |url=https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |website=Penn State University Pilot Lab}}</ref><!-- the guidelines would probably say "(eulas of) despair" is "strong language" and that we should pick one that "convey[s] the relevant information without appearing combative" --> | ||
Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" /> | Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" /> | ||
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==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)=== | ===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)=== | ||
In October 2018, [[Forced Arbitration|forced arbitration]] | In October 2018, [[Forced Arbitration|forced arbitration]] was added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]]. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within 90 days of the ToS going in effect or registering their first account.'''<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' | ||
===Child safety concerns (June 2023)=== | ===Child safety concerns (June 2023)=== | ||
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 | An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic problems with the platform's user protection measures. | ||
Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented. | Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">13 Jul</span> 2025</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></span></ref> | ||
===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)=== | ===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)=== | ||
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data-collection practices as part of a broader investigation into social | In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data-collection practices as part of a broader investigation into social media platforms.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"] <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span>. ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span> from the original on 19 Sep 2024<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">13 Jul</span> 2025</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></span></ref> | ||
The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including: | The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including: | ||
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Particular concern was raised about: | Particular concern was raised about: | ||
*[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13] | *[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13] | ||
*Handling of | *Handling of minors' user information | ||
*Inadequate age-verification systems | *Inadequate age-verification systems | ||
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk: | The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk: | ||
*Identity | *Identity theft exposure | ||
*Potential stalking risks | *Potential stalking risks | ||
*Discrimination concerns | *Discrimination concerns | ||
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===Third-Party Customer Service Data Breach (Oct. 2025)=== | ===Third-Party Customer Service Data Breach (Oct. 2025)=== | ||
In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination", as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref> | In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination", as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref><!-- Any better sources? The tweet referred to by this person is not archived. --> | ||
===Vague moderation=== | ===Vague moderation=== | ||
{{Main|Discord's irresponsible moderation}} | {{Main|Discord's irresponsible moderation}} | ||
Reported often by users on the BBB<ref name=":0" />, Trustpilot <ref name=":1" /> and a dedicated subreddit<ref>{{Cite web |title=/r/BannedFromDiscord |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/}}</ref> users have complained | Reported often by users on the BBB<ref name=":0" />, Trustpilot <ref name=":1" />, and a dedicated subreddit<ref>{{Cite web |title=/r/BannedFromDiscord |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/}}</ref>, users have complained on Discord's moderation being vague. One such user reported their account being banned after being compromised on the BBB,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mir |first=Zain |date=Jul 23, 2025 |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699/complaints?page=2#1116_918699_23643523 |access-date=Aug 1, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref> with an automated system handling the entire process, replying only with templates, with no human involved in the appeal process.<!-- Is {{main}} even necessary for this? (Idk the policy for this.) Regardless, here is archive.is of Zain Mir's post at the very bottom: https://archive.is/PhIdd so future editors don't have to spend 30 mins finding it (constantly new pages). I'm sure this part needs some rewriting anyway though --> | ||
== Solution to delete an account without agreeing to updated ToS == | ==Solution to delete an account without agreeing to updated ToS== | ||
* Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support | *Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support | ||
* Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with" with "Help and Support" from the drop down.) '''Fill out the form with the same email address connected to the Discord account or this process may need to be restarted!''' In the form, under "Type of question" there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including on how to proceed with account deletion, namely by responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]". '''This must be received from the same email as the associated Discord email.''' | *Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with" with "Help and Support" from the drop down.) '''Fill out the form with the same email address connected to the Discord account or this process may need to be restarted!''' In the form, under "Type of question" there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including on how to proceed with account deletion, namely by responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]". '''This must be received from the same email as the associated Discord email.''' | ||
[[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]] | [[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]] | ||